Acupuncture for Migraines

Do you suffer from migraines or chronic headaches? Acupuncture is considered one of the most effective treatment options for these debilitating problems.

Our Coastal Mendocino Acupuncturist has over a decade of experience treating migraines.

Why is Acupuncture Effective at Treating Migraines?

Migraines are related to changes in blood flow. Acupuncture treatment is known to regulate blood flow by stimulating the artery walls, helping the body to self-regulate.

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment, which means your whole health is taken into account. In addition to acupuncture, simple massages and movement exercises may be prescribed. Aspects of your diet and lifestyle may be triggering migraines, and these can be managed through relaxation techniques, or by cutting out of certain trigger foods. For some women, acupuncture treatment during certain times of their menstrual cycle can greatly reduce the symptoms of migraine.

Acupuncture is a natural treatment. Did you know that some prescription migraine medications can actually cause what is known as a medication overuse headache?

With the aid of acupuncture, the body can be brought into a state of balance and general health which can possibly help you see a reduction in both the frequency and severity of headaches.

About Migraines

Migraines are exhausting, and often overpowering. They may last for hours or even days, affecting your ability to work, study, exercise, and live you life. For some sufferers, foods such as cheese, red wine or caffeine can trigger a migraine. While is never the cause of a migraine, anxiety and stress can trigger these debilitating headaches in people who are prone to attacks .

Statistics show that women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines, and that in some cases it may be affected by hormonal imbalances, most often scene through certain points during the menstrual cycle.

The exact causes of migraines is unknown, although we do know that it involves changing blood flow to the brain. Blood vessels initially narrow, leading to symptoms such as visual disturbances, weakness, and tingling. As the blood vessels then enlarge, blood flow increases and a migraine is the result.

Conventional treatment for severe migraines is medication. It is not known how most migraine medications, such as beta-blockers, actually work, but they are prescribed regardless. Symptoms can sometimes be lowered if the medication is taken immediately after the first signs of migraine are present, however this isn’t always effective.